View: Cristian Romero answers critics with immense display in Tottenham win v Crystal Palace
Tottenham have endured various struggles in what has been a crazy campaign for the club, with their defensive issues right up there among their worst problems.
Thanks to the constant superb attacking displays from Harry Kane, Tottenham remain hopeful of a European spot, which can be considered a remarkable achievement given the issues suffered both on and off the pitch.
But not even his fantastic exploits in the final third can take the attention off a shaky defence, with Spurs keeping just 10 clean sheets from their 35 Premier League matches this season, as per the official Premier League website.
More worryingly is the fact they have conceded a huge 57 goals, with only six clubs conceding more this season. Unsurprisingly, all five of those clubs – Leeds United, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leicester City are heavily involved in a relegation battle.
Struggling Everton meanwhile have conceded fewer goals than the North London outfit, highlighting just how poor the latter have been at the back.
The problems have come to light in recent matches in particular, with a very poor Spurs defence conceding 15 goals from their four games ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday (7 May).
Thankfully for all involved with the club, the defence got their act together against the Eagles to clinch a rare clean sheet in a narrow 1-0 victory.
And central to that clean sheet was Cristian Romero, with the centre-back putting in a mammoth shift at the back to show that he does indeed have what it takes to operate at this level.
The Argentine has come under plenty of criticism this season, with his lack of focus and rash challenging often coming under the spotlight, with the defender picking up eight yellow cards in the current league campaign.
However, Romero silenced his critics with his top-class display against the Eagles, where he won possession 12 times, won 10 of his 12 duels, made eight clearances and won seven aerial duels, according to Squawka Live.
Moreover, the centre-back made four interceptions and two tackles in the narrow victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It was a much-needed improved display from the defender, who should use the performance to kick on and help Spurs finish the campaign strongly.
In other Tottenham news, the North London outfit could turn to one former Chelsea player this summer to help solve their defensive issues.